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General Introduction
"A Song for Olosunta" by Niyi Osundare is a rich and multifaceted poem that celebrates Olosunta, a lithic (stone) god worshipped in Ikere-Ekiti, Osundare's hometown in southwestern Nigeria. The poem acts as a hymn of praise, highlighting the deity's role in nature, history, and the lives of the Ikere people.
Olosunta
You have been long, very long, and far
Unwearying wayfarer,
Your feet wear the mud of distant waters
Your hems gather the bur
Of farthest forests;
I can see the westmost sun
In the mirror of your wandering eyes”
The Olosunta Deity
Olósùnta is located at the northern part of the town (Ikere Ekiti). It is a steep-sided hill and a good resort center for tourists to visit and see for themselves what God has done for the State of Honour, Fountain of Knowledge. There is a deity in charge of this hill, worshipped accordingly.
In line with the belief of the people of this town, the Olósùnta deity resides in the Olósùnta hill. The deity is credited with feats such as provision of children to barren women and protection of Ikere from warfare. It is believed to be responsible for the welfare of the town. Ikere Ekiti is usually described as the only unconquered town in Ekiti during the popular inter-tribal wars.
Ikere-Ekiti is the second largest city in Ekiti State of Nigeria and is popularly known as IK LONDON. It is the only town in Ekiti State that has a Local Government Area without any other subordinate towns or villages.
A town of the twin warriors of people.
A town endowed with a magnificent hill, Olósùnta. The town is located between Ado-Ekiti (the capital of Ekiti State) and Akure (the capital of Ondo State). The gateway to Ekiti Land.
Analysis of the Poem
The second poem in the collection ‘The Rocks Rose To Meet Me’ is an encounter with the rocks – another aspect of physical nature. Before the rock of Olosunta, the poet is standing and waiting like Christopher Okigbo at Heaven’s gate. And the Olosunta rock began to address the poet in the following words:
“You have been long, very long, and far
Unwearying wayfarer,
Your feet wear the mud of distant waters
Your hems gather the bur
Of farthest forests;
I can see the westmost sun
In the mirror of your wandering eyes”
(Osundare The Eye of The Earth, 13).
In these lines, Osundare is doing some kind of homecoming. He is a renegade and is now trying to establish vital links with the past. As he put it:
‘The Rocks Rose to Meet Me’ is a homecoming of a kind, a journey back (and forth) into a receding pastwhich still has a right to live. The rocks celebrated in this section… occupy a central place in the cosmic consciousness of Ikere people; they are worshipped and frequently appeased with rare gifts, thunderous drumming and dancing (Osundare The Eye of The Earth ‘Preface’ xiii).
The truth is that Osundare celebrates the rocks of Olosunta because they are both an aspect of physical nature and they have a mystic dimension in Ikere cosmology. Ikere is actually Osundare’s home place. By celebrating the rocks of his native home, Osundare is emphasizing the permanent and solid forms of nature which are lasting monuments of time and place. At another level, the Olosunta rocks in Ikere mean more than physical nature they also have some economic value. Somewhere in the poem, it is stated that the belly of the Olosunta rock is a battle ground of god and gold. The deeper meaning is that the Olosunta rock is reputed to be a repository of gold. This explains why at the end of the poem the poet ask the rock to Yield your gold, lofty one, But how dig the gold Without breaking the rock? (Osundare The Eye of The Earth, 14).
Returning back to his old theme of an egalitarian society and economic exploitation, Osundare states that when the gold is dug it should be used for the betterment of society and not to enrich a few kings and princes. It should be used to turn hovels into havens/paupers/into people (not princes)/so the world may sprout a hand/of equal fingers. Osundare’s concern with physical nature is varied. Apart from showing the importance of earth (nature) it is also used to show that the earth (nature) signifies wealth and all the life-giving forces. It is mother-earth and natural laws demand that the wealth accruing from nature should be used for the advancement of society.
Themes
Praise for Olosunta: The poem is a clear and celebratory song of praise for Olosunta. Osundare emphasizes the god's power, benevolence, and enduring presence.
Connection to Nature: Olosunta is depicted as a deity deeply connected to the natural world. The poem describes the god's presence in the rocks, rivers, and forests surrounding the shrine.
Historical Significance: "A Song for Olosunta" hints at the god's historical importance in the lives of the Ikere people. Olosunta might be seen as a symbol of tradition, cultural continuity, and the community's connection to its past.
Sacrifice and Ritual: The poem might allude to rituals and sacrifices associated with the worship of Olosunta. These practices strengthen the connection between the worshippers and the deity.
Structure and Techniques
The poem's structure might be influenced by traditional Yoruba praise poetry ("Oriki").
Invocation: The poem could begin with an invocation of Olosunta, setting the tone for the praise that follows.
Repetition: Repetition of Olosunta's name or specific epithets could be used to emphasize his power and importance.
Imagery: Vivid imagery describes the Olosunta shrine, the surrounding landscape, and the rituals associated with the deity.
Metaphor and Simile: Metaphors and similes could compare Olosunta to powerful natural forces or revered ancestors, highlighting his significance.
Yoruba Language: The poem might incorporate Yoruba words or phrases, adding cultural richness and authenticity.
Possible Interpretations
The poem can be seen as a way for Osundare to celebrate his cultural heritage and the traditional beliefs of his people.
It can also be interpreted as a reflection on the importance of the natural world and the role of deities in maintaining ecological balance.
On a deeper level, "A Song for Olosunta" might be a meditation on time and the enduring connection between past, present, and future generations in a specific community.
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